AKWA IBOM LEADS EARLY 2027 PUSH AS ARISE WITH RENEWED HOPE INITIATIVE UNVEILS INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

By DESTINY YOUNG

Preparations for the 2027 general elections have taken a decisive and coordinated turn as the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative, a major electioneering organisation spearheading the re election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno PhD, and Senate President Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, formally unveiled the structure of its International Executive Committee.

The release of the committee underscores Akwa Ibom State’s growing prominence as a strategic nerve centre in national political mobilisation, coordination, and policy advocacy ahead of the next electoral cycle. With a carefully curated leadership drawn from politics, security, academia, civil society, youth, and professional backgrounds, the Initiative has signalled its readiness to play a defining role in shaping the narrative and outcomes of the 2027 elections.

It is noted that the composition of the International Executive Committee reflects both political depth and administrative competence. Members were selected based on proven records of service, leadership capacity, and contributions at state, national, and international levels, reinforcing the Initiative’s positioning as a serious platform for national engagement rather than a mere campaign structure.

At the core of this effort is a shared objective, to consolidate the reform agenda of President Tinubu, sustain the development driven governance of Governor Umo Eno in Akwa Ibom State, and strengthen the legislative leadership of Senate President Akpabio, whose influence continues to shape national consensus building and policy direction.

AKWA IBOM AT THE FOREFRONT OF NATIONAL POLITICAL MOBILISATION

The leadership role assumed by Akwa Ibom State within the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative is not accidental. The state has distinguished itself through political stability, strategic alignment with national development goals, and a long standing tradition of producing leaders with national reach.

Governor Umo Eno’s inclusive governance philosophy, combined with Senator Akpabio’s extensive experience across both the executive and legislative arms of government, has positioned Akwa Ibom as a rallying point for progressive political forces. The Initiative’s international outlook further reflects the state’s understanding that diaspora engagement, global advocacy, and strategic communication are now integral to modern political organisation.

By assembling a committee that spans continents and sectors, the Initiative demonstrates a clear intent to project Nigeria’s reform narrative globally, mobilise support among Nigerians in the diaspora, and ensure coordinated messaging in the lead up to 2027.

INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

The International Executive Committee is structured to ensure operational efficiency, strategic coordination, and sector specific focus.

Principal Officers

• President General, Engr Uwem Okoko
• Deputy President General I, Hon Otobong Bob
• Deputy President General II, Hon Sir Richard Ebong
• International Coordinator, Sir Udo Kierian Akpan

Secretariat and Core Administration

• Secretary General, Comrade Emmanuel Amama
• Deputy Secretary General, Mr Isua Archibong
• Organising Secretary, Hon Frank Archibong
• Treasurer, Hon Emem Ibanga
• Provost General, Rt Hon Emmanuel Bassey
• Auditor, Hon Iniobong Robson
• Admin Secretary, Mr Itoro Obot

Strategic Coordination and Zonal Vice Presidents

• Vice President and Coordinator USD, Hon Eric Akpan
• Vice President and Coordinator ISD, Hon Esitima Udosen
• Vice President and Coordinator ESD, Hon Uno Etim Uno

Directorates

• Director of Finance, Hon Emem Bob
• Director of Women Affairs, Dr Glory Edet
• Director of Youth Affairs I, Hon Adede Kufre Inima
• Director of Youth Affairs II, Dr Ekerette Alphosus Ekanem
• Director of Female Youth, Mrs Edna Edwin Daniel
• Director of Welfare, Miss Blessing Ekeng
• Director of Security I, Gen Koko Essien rtd
• Director of Security II, Isantim Kenneth Okon
• Director of Events Management, Hon Uwem Udoma
• Director of Mobilisation, Dr Uwemedimo Udo
• Director of Transport and Logistics, Rt Hon Uduak Odudoh
• Director of Media and Publicity I, Rt Hon Aniekan Umanah
• Director of Media and Publicity II, Mr Ekerette Udoh
• Director of Media and Publicity III, Rachael Kufre Nse
• Director of Legal Services, Barr Emmanuel Udosen
• Director of Protocol, Mr Otobong Edemidiong
• Director of Special Services, Mr Etim Inyang
• Director of ICT and Technical Services, Dr Frank Ekpenyong
• Director of Entertainment, Capt Iniobong Ekong
• Director of Venue, Mr Aniekpeno Mkpanang
• Director of Research and Documentation, Elder Ini Obot
• Director of Budget and Planning, Mr Awajigbana Simolings Otuikor
• Director of Community Engagements, Mr Joe William Akpan
• Director of Strategy, Hon Martin Esin
• Director of New Media, Hon Iniobong John

Deputy Directors and Support Roles

The committee also includes a broad network of deputy directors across women affairs, youth, welfare, media, transport, mobilisation, protocol, legal services, community engagements, entertainment, events management, and strategy, ensuring depth, continuity, and operational resilience.

Ex Officio Members and Coordinators

A robust list of ex officio members and city coordinators for Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Calabar further strengthens the Initiative’s national and international outreach.

WHY THESE LEADERS MATTER

Collectively, members of the International Executive Committee bring decades of experience in governance, security, legislative affairs, community mobilisation, youth development, media strategy, and international engagement. Many have played active roles in policy implementation, grassroots organisation, institutional reform, and national development initiatives.

Their inclusion reflects an understanding that the 2027 elections will be shaped not only by political rhetoric, but by credibility, track record, and the capacity to mobilise trust across diverse constituencies. It is this blend of experience and strategic foresight that the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative seeks to deploy in advancing a message of continuity, reform, and inclusive growth.

A CLEAR SIGNAL AHEAD OF 2027

With the unveiling of its International Executive Committee, the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative has moved beyond intent into structured action. The development sends a clear signal that preparations for 2027 are already well underway, with Akwa Ibom State firmly positioned at the heart of the process.

As political alignments evolve and campaign narratives begin to crystallise, the Initiative’s organisational depth and leadership spread are expected to play a critical role in shaping discourse, mobilising support, and reinforcing the case for continuity in leadership at both state and national levels.

In the unfolding journey to 2027, Akwa Ibom’s influence, coordination capacity, and strategic clarity may yet prove decisive in determining the direction of Nigeria’s democratic future.

Destiny Young is the Special Assistant on New Media and Digital Communication to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno PhD.